I know the game(s) are meaningless, but it would be nice to head into the playoffs with a head of steam.

This was a dull, boring game. Typical Jersey.

I don't like seeing the Pens get outshot every game, but that may be a product of systematic changes the team has made since the deadline. Mike Colligan has been writing about that, and has a new piece coming out about that today: http://thehockeywriters.com/coaching-st ... or-player/

I would have liked the ref to call tripping on that play in the third where Geno was working in the corner behind Hedberg (was it Clarkson? The Pensblog has a gif of Geno yapping at someone shortly after that play). The ref was staring at the play, no one else around, and let it go. The Debbies tied it up shortly after that.

Maybe it was good that they didn't hold on for the win, because they were largely outplayed all game.

I'm fine with the physicality and general intensity not being as high in these meaningless games, but I am concerned a bit by some of the careless mistakes and sloppy play by the Pens. I know the Devils were clogging the neutral zone, but there were still too many unforced turnovers and missed chances to get the puck in deep. Those sort of plays don't require extra physical effort, just mental sharpness.

It also seemed like the Pens really had a chance to kill the game off when they were up 2-0, but passed up a bunch of good shooting opportunities for that one extra pass. They weren't doing this in the Buffalo game. Against Buffalo, they had plenty of shots and lots of offensive zone time, but were undone by a couple turnovers and Miller standing on his head.

I don't know if this really matters, but I'm still mentally scarred from last year and worry about any little indication that the Pens' focus and attention to detail isn't where it needs to be to win in the playoffs. Hopefully, they can get dialed in for the game on Saturday with it being fan appreciation night and the possible return of Martin and Neal to the lineup.

marek wrote:I'll admit it ... I do not feel good heading into the playoffs after the past two games. Toss aside the excuses.

Playing to not get hurt, resting key guys, coming back from injuries or rust...being injured in general... I don't like the idea of turning on a switch in the playoffs...don't like it at all.

I guess the Islanders, Caps, and especially Vancouver are all gonna lay an egg as well since they all lost last night and looked horrible. Vancouver got shutout. The kings have lost 2 in a row as well, probably will bet against them in the first round now.

It definitely doesn't mean absolutely nothing. Its easy to look at them and see that they weren't suddenly sloppy though, they weren't trying. On one hand i'm concerned that they're gonna be coasting for a week+ going into the playoffs. On the other hand, they aren't really showing bad habits, just "resting".

- Ice was bad last night in NJ- Media is reporting that Martin & Neal back for the last game, so it may not be optimal either from a team play standpoint as they will be getting their proverbial "legs" under them- MAF's baby is going to triple OT, so we may see Tommy V (note, not tommy B) in between the pipes vs. Canes

marek wrote:I'll admit it ... I do not feel good heading into the playoffs after the past two games. Toss aside the excuses.

Playing to not get hurt, resting key guys, coming back from injuries or rust...being injured in general... I don't like the idea of turning on a switch in the playoffs...don't like it at all.

I guess the Islanders, Caps, and especially Vancouver are all gonna lay an egg as well since they all lost last night and looked horrible. Vancouver got shutout. The kings have lost 2 in a row as well, probably will bet against them in the first round now.

PLEASE, losing these 2 games means absolutely nothing.

Most of the teams heading into the playoffs have nothing to lose. They aren't expected to advance and some weren't even expected to make it in. Teams like that are very dangerous to face no matter how they are playing heading into the playoffs. A team expected to win or to get to the big dance - needs to be clicking on all cylinders. I'm most concerned with HCDB using players in spots which aren't natural to them.

BABY WON'T KEEP FLEURY OUTThe birth of his first child, Estelle, will not force goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to miss a Stanley Cup playoff game. If the baby is not born before Saturday, Fleury's wife, Veronique, will have labor induced.

marek wrote:I'll admit it ... I do not feel good heading into the playoffs after the past two games. Toss aside the excuses.

Playing to not get hurt, resting key guys, coming back from injuries or rust...being injured in general... I don't like the idea of turning on a switch in the playoffs...don't like it at all.

I guess the Islanders, Caps, and especially Vancouver are all gonna lay an egg as well since they all lost last night and looked horrible. Vancouver got shutout. The kings have lost 2 in a row as well, probably will bet against them in the first round now.

PLEASE, losing these 2 games means absolutely nothing.

Most of the teams heading into the playoffs have nothing to lose. They aren't expected to advance and some weren't even expected to make it in. Teams like that are very dangerous to face no matter how they are playing heading into the playoffs. A team expected to win or to get to the big dance - needs to be clicking on all cylinders. I'm most concerned with HCDB using players in spots which aren't natural to them.

i think the kings and vancouver have high expectations

the penguins lost 2 of their last 3 on 08 and made it to the cup finalsthe penguins won last year and got knocked out in the first round.

suddently, because the penguins have lost 2 meaningless games in a row (even if they've won like 20 out of 24) they know aren't firing on all cylinders. its just a ridiculous premise